Israeli Couple Accused of Iranian-Directed Espionage Including Surveillance of Jabotinsky's Tomb Visited by Netanyahu

Two residents of Ashkelon, Tarmilan Amshukov and Alina Kushnirko, have been charged with conducting espionage activities under the direction of an Iranian foreign agent. Over recent months, Amshukov maintained contact with the Iranian agent and carried out various intelligence-gathering missions, receiving payments in cryptocurrency. Some of these tasks were performed jointly with Kushnirko.

Among the surveillance activities, Amshukov was instructed to photograph homes of individuals involved in Israel's defense industries and sensitive locations, including the port of Eilat and a museum. Notably, about a week before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Mount Herzl to attend a memorial for Ze'ev Jabotinsky, Amshukov documented Jabotinsky's tomb there.

The Iranian agent also directed Amshukov to purchase a high-resolution smartphone in Eilat to enhance the quality of his photographic intelligence. The investigation revealed that Amshukov was aware he was working for a foreign Iranian agent. The Tel Aviv District Prosecutor's Office has filed indictments against both suspects in the Tel Aviv District Court.